Ever since I was a kid I’ve loved anime. Since the days of Toonami on Cartoon Network my memories are of running home from school to watch shows like Dragon Ball Z and Gundam Wing. My love of anime, manga and geek culture has grown to the point where I make it a point to attend as many cons as possible.

The granddaddy of them all is Anime Expo. I’ve been to every Anime Expo since my first one back in ’06, missing only one year, ’09, due to going on some family trip. Anime Expo isn’t just the largest anime convention in California; it’s the largest in North America. It gets bigger and better every year and Anime Expo 2017 was no different.

Ticket prices for AX are way cheaper than for other huge cons like SDCC or Wonder Con. You can either choose to go for four days for $90 or you can choose one day for $55. But honestly you’re playing yourself if you choose anything less than the 4 day pass. The tickets get even cheaper if you purchase them earlier. Overall this convention is easier than most on my bank account. That is – at least until I see the vast amounts of stuff in the dealer room that I cant resist buying!